- Thrash Brilliance Meets Controversial Chaos.
Tankard's "Chemical Invasion," a landmark in German thrash metal, emerged in 1987 with a unique focus on the Reinheitsgebot controversy of 1516. The album's rebellious spirit, blending aggressive riffing and irreverent humor, tackled societal norms. Musically, it delivered a relentless onslaught of thrash brilliance, solidifying Tankard's position in the genre. "Chemical Invasion" remains a pivotal release, reflecting the band's bold approach to both music and social commentary.
In the world of thrash metal history, Tankard's second studio album, "Chemical Invasion," stands as a potent testament to the band's sonic prowess and unapologetic lyrical approach. Released as a 12" LP Vinyl album, this iconic record not only marked a milestone in Tankard's career but also ventured into the realms of social commentary, addressing the Reinheitsgebot controversy of 1516.
The creation history of "Chemical Invasion" is deeply rooted in the thriving German thrash metal scene of the late 1980s. The album emerged in 1987, a time when the genre was experiencing a surge in popularity, thanks to bands like Kreator, Destruction, and Sodom. Tankard, hailing from Frankfurt, was poised to make its mark with a distinctive style that blended aggressive riffing, blistering solos, and a healthy dose of irreverent humor.
The album's title, "Chemical Invasion," hints at the thematic core that sets it apart. In a departure from traditional thrash metal themes centered around warfare and aggression, Tankard delved into the socio-political landscape. The Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law of 1516, became a focal point, showcasing the band's willingness to tackle controversial subjects with a tongue-in-cheek attitude.
The Reinheitsgebot, established in the Duchy of Bavaria, stipulated that beer could only be brewed with barley, water, and hops, and later yeast when its role was discovered. Tankard, known for their love of beer and revelry, used this historical regulation as a canvas to express their views on conformity and societal norms.
Musically, the album is a relentless onslaught of thrash brilliance. Tracks like "Total Addiction," "Chemical Invasion," and "Farewell to a Slut" showcase Tankard's ability to deliver high-speed, headbanging anthems. The raw energy and technical proficiency displayed on this album solidified Tankard's position among the leading forces in the German thrash metal scene.
Music Genre: Speed Thrash Alcoholic Metal |
Album Production Information: Produced by Harris Johns Harris Johns is a prominent European music producer renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal and punk genres. With a career spanning several decades, he has worked with numerous iconic bands, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in the late 1950s, Harris Johns developed a passion for music at an early age and pursued his dreams with unwavering determination. In the late 1970s, Harris Johns emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning heavy metal and punk scene. His unique talent and distinctive approach to music production quickly caught the attention of many prominent bands. With a desire to create powerful and impactful soundscapes, he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of these genres. Throughout his career, Harris Johns has collaborated with a plethora of big-name bands, solidifying his reputation as a go-to producer. His notable works include projects with Helloween, Coroner, Tankard, Sodom, Voivod, Kreator, Exumer, Ratos de Porão, Slime, Daily Terror, and many others. Each album he worked on showcased his exceptional skill in sculpting the sonic landscapes that defined the heavy metal and punk movements. For over a decade, Harris Johns operated his studio, Music Lab Berlin Studio, which served as the creative hub for many of his productions. In an effort to further his artistic vision, he established Spiderhouse, a recording facility situated in a former guest house in the countryside near Berlin. For ten years, Spiderhouse became a sanctuary where he could channel his creativity and bring forth groundbreaking music. In 2007, Harris Johns made the decision to reopen the Music Lab Berlin, reestablishing it as a prime destination for bands seeking his expertise in music production. The studio became a hub of creativity and collaboration, attracting both established acts and up-and-coming artists. However, in 2016, Harris Johns decided to step away from the studio, concluding a significant chapter in his illustrious career. Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations of Music Lab Berlin, Harris Johns continues to contribute to the music industry. He remains active as a producer and dedicates his time to teaching music production skills. His wealth of knowledge and experience has made him an invaluable resource for aspiring producers and musicians, as he imparts his expertise and nurtures the next generation of talent. As we reflect upon the 1980s, it becomes evident that Harris Johns' discography during this era stands as a testament to his immense talent. Some of the notable albums he worked on include groundbreaking releases such as:
These albums showcase Harris Johns' ability to capture the essence and intensity of the heavy metal and punk genres, earning him a place in music history. Harris Johns' impact on the heavy metal and punk scenes cannot be understated. His talent, dedication, and distinctive approach to music production have left an indelible mark on the industry. As he continues to produce and educate, Harris Johns remains a respected and influential figure, shaping the future of music for generations to come. Sound/recording engineering Harris Johns, Axel Katzmann, Andreas Geremia
Recorded at Musiclab/Berlin from 21st of June to the 1st of July and 11th to 17th August Album cover design by Sebestian Kruger/Becker-Derouet Agentur, Inner sleeves by Buffo
Uwe "Buffo" Schnädelbach
a German Photographer, Editor and Band manager (Tankard). During the 1980s he has photographed a dozen of Heavy Metal bands.
Photography by Buffo and Uwe Lerch (Gerre)
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Record Label & Catalognr: Noise International N 0096 / 08-4452 SPV |
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Tankard |
Media Format: 12" vinyl LP |
Year & Country: 1987 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Tankard Chemical Invasion |
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Complete Track Listing of: Tankard Chemical Invasion |
The Song/tracks on "Tankard Chemical Invasion" are:
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Tankard Chemical Invasion |
Photo of Front Cover |
Photos of Tankard band-members on the album back cover
The custom "Noise International" inner sleeve with thumbnails of the albums available in their catalog.
The lyrics of "Chemical Invasion" printed on the album's inner sleeve
Close-up of the Grey "Noise" N 0096 Record label Side A
Close-up of the Grey "Noise" N 0096 Record label Side B
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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